If you’ve ever walked into the dining hall feeling both excited and overwhelmed by the options, you’re not alone. Between themed stations, rotating menus, and specials, it can be tough to know where to start—especially if you have food allergies or dietary restrictions.
Fortunately, in our dining halls, you're not limited to one concept. Think of the All You Care to Eat set up as one big cafeteria where you’re free to combine items from different stations.
The nacho bar salsa and hot sauce don’t have to stay with the nachos, and the grilled roasted veggies don’t need to be eaten only with the other options on that line. “Shopping the concepts” is all about seeing what’s available and creating a custom meal tailored to your tastes and your dietary needs.
Take a lap
IU registered dietitian Erin Collicott encourages students to take advantage of the wide variety of options available in the dining halls by first seeing what's available at all the stations.
“Shopping the concepts can you get creative and explore different foods to meet your individual needs and build a balanced plate," Erin said. "I tell people to start with your favorite item and then add on from places like the Salad Bar, Nacho Bar, and Mediterranean Bar.”
Check out what each station is offering in person or ahead of time online through Nutrislice or NetNutrition. You might spot a surprise vegan entrée, a gluten-free side, or a new plant-based protein tucked away at a concept you don’t usually visit. Scouting first ensures you don’t fill your plate too soon and miss something great later.
Mix and match
Now it’s time to build your meal. You might start with a rice bowl from Caliente with beans, grilled chicken, or ground beef, then hit the topping bar for salsa, guacamole, or pico de gallo. But don’t stop there. Swing by Medley and add tofu, spinach, roasted corn, bell peppers, and red onion and top it off with a sprinkle of cheese or seeds for texture and nutrients.
In the end, you’ve created a meal that’s colorful, balanced, and full of variety that probably checks more boxes for vitamins, fiber, and flavor than sticking to one station.
Round it out
Once your main dish is set, give your plate (or your second plate, no shame in that!) a final boost. Add leafy greens or a scoop of edamame for protein, grab some fresh fruit for vitamin C and fiber, or toss on some nuts and seeds for extra crunch and minerals. Or see what hot veggies are available and add those as a side to a sandwich or chicken wrap.
Why it works
Shopping the concepts helps you make the most of what’s available and lets you control the items that end up on your plate, navigating personal allergies, intolerances, or dietary preferences, like vegan or vegetarian diets.
No two meals have to be the same. Mix and match for endless combinations. One day you might create a Mediterranean-inspired bowl with grains, roasted veggies, grilled chicken, artichoke hearts, and hummus; another day, you might go for a vegan taco salad with beans, corn, avocado, and fresh spinach.
Next time you hit the dining hall, don’t feel boxed in by one concept. Take a spin, shop around, and build a plate that’s all your own.
Pro tip: If you’re ever unsure about ingredients or allergens, ask a dining staff member; they’re there to help you find options that work for you.